Considered the capital of northern Iceland, Akureyri draws travelers to its fjord-front location for boat tours, nature excursions and an array of small-town attractions. Long summer days here are spent outdoors, hiking and horseback riding through incredible green landscapes dotted with waterfalls, while the winter months mean hitting the slopes at the nearby ski resort and staying up late to watch the Northern Lights dance in green across dark night skies. Once you've selected your ideal Akureyri vacation rental, perhaps with a sea view, it's off for museum-hopping around town and road trips into the Icelandic wilderness.
While you'll want to spend most of your time in Iceland discovering the incredible landscapes in the countryside, the town of Akureyri also holds a wealth of attractions to explore, including a landmark hilltop church with a striking design and stained-glass windows. Museums here cover everything from cultural and industrial heritage to Icelandic art and the transit history of the island. Take a walk around the botanical garden in town to see 1000s of species of arctic and alpine flora. The nearly-10-acre public park is one of the northernmost of its kind and is open during the summer season.
The 2nd-largest urban hub in Iceland, Akureyri is the perfect launching point for sightseeing in the northern region. Multiple daytrips and extended excursions depart from here and take in some of the breathtaking natural attractions nearby, like the thundering Dettifoss and widespread Godafoss waterfalls. These cataracts are part of an area known as the Diamond Circle, where you can also see a large lake formed from lava eruptions and walk along lava fields. Why not visit and witness bubbling geothermal mud pools, explore ice-filled caverns and snap photos of mountains, volcanoes and craters? Bus tours are available to get around to the sites, or you can rent a car in Akureyri.
Summer is a popular time to visit Akureyri as the temperatures sometimes breach 60 degrees and the long days mean extra sunlight hours to spend outside hiking and waterfall-hopping. The summer solstice in June causes the phenomenon of a midnight sun in the surrounding months. Some attractions and tours are only open between June and September and accommodation fills up quickly, so be sure to book your Akureyri vacation rental early. For a chance to spot the dancing greens of the Aurora Borealis, opt for a winter stay, when the skies around Akureyri are extra dark due to long nights and a lack of light pollution from the small town.
From glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and black-sand beaches, a vast array of stunning landscapes fill Iceland and Akureyri is a great spot to explore the nature of the northern region. The town sits on the Eyjafjorour Fjord, where you can hop on boat excursions in summer in search of humpback whales, and cruises in winter to look for the northern lights. The island of Hrisey is an excellent spot for birdwatching and ferries are available to get you there. After long days spent outdoors, you'll be ready to return to your cozy Akureyri vacation rental to rest up for the next day's adventures.
The nearest airport is in Akureyri (AEY), located 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from the city center.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and right now it wants to take a vacation. It's time to pack your bags and retreat to one of these top vacation rentals in or near Akureyri:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Akureyri vacation rental for you.
If you're ready to get away from it all for a few days, there's no shortage of amazing weekend getaways in and near Akureyri. Sneak in a well-deserved break at one of these popular options:
Take in the vibe and culture of Akureyri from the privacy and comfort of your own studio apartment. Whether you want to relax on your own or have some fun with pals, we'll help you find the ideal studio apartment for rent in or near Akureyri:
With the moolah you save on your studio apartment, you'll be able to see even more of Akureyri. Cultural sights like Hof - Cultural Center and Conference Hall and Centre for Visual Arts will help you understand the character of this destination.
Short-term rentals abound in and around Akureyri. Chill out for the weekend in a penthouse, a resort-style apartment or a spacious home. Whatever type of vacation rental you prefer, you'll have lots to choose from with Vrbo. These are a few of our favorites:
Check out these large group vacation rentals in or near Akureyri and forget about leaving anyone off your guest list:
It's always more fun when you share precious moments with the folks you love the most. Whether you're planning a family escape or getting away with your best friends, Vrbo has a large vacation rental that's right for you. These are two of our best in and around Akureyri:
If you're hoping to visit some family-friendly attractions in the area, you have plenty of choice. Godafoss, Namafjall and Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall promise lots of fun for both adults and kids.
Cozy up with the kids in a family cabin rental in or near Akureyri and get set to make some incredible memories together. Here are some of our favorites:
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Akureyri vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.
Often located in sought-after positions due to their compact size, a one-bedroom rental is a wise pick if it's just the two of you. Here's a taste of our range in or near Akureyri:
It's easy to plan a wonderful getaway with Vrbo. Whether you want a comfy cottage or a trendy apartment, we've got lots of two-bedroom options in or near Akureyri: Here are just a few of our top picks:
If you need some extra room for the youngsters (or a last-minute travel buddy), a three-bedroom vacation rental will be just the thing. Vrbo can help you find all the best options in or near Akureyri, starting with these two: